Tension don dey Rivers State as Governor Siminialayi Fubara insist say local government elections must hold despite stiff opposition from various quarters. The election, which is scheduled for October 5, 2024, has sparked serious controversy and tension in the state.
Pro-governor’s groups don occupy the entrance of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) office, insisting that the elections must go ahead across all local government areas of the state. Governor Fubara argue say RSIEC is a state agency controlled by the state government and that the law of the state governs its processes. He also mention that the Supreme Court gave a judgment that all local government activities must be coordinated by elected local government officers.
The Nigerian Police Force, however, has withdrawn from providing security for the election, citing a Federal High Court judgment that restrained them from participating. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) said they will not allow the state to be plunged into anarchy, but the governor maintained that other security agencies will provide the necessary security for the election.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Rivers State branches have issued a statement supporting the conduct of the local government elections. They emphasized that the elections are legal and sanctioned by law, and urged security agencies to ensure a peaceful and lawful election process. The NBA branches will also participate as election observers to promote transparency and accountability.
Angry protesters, believed to be supporters of the governor, have defied heavy rainfall to march to the RSIEC office, demanding that the election must hold. They called on the police to leave the state if they were tired of doing their job. The RSIEC has denied reports that its Chairman, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), resigned his appointment.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling party in Rivers State, has threatened to obstruct the elections, citing a court judgment that barred RSIEC from proceeding. However, the PDP national leadership has backed the polls, stating that no court under the Electoral Act 2022 has the power to stop elections.
